Proliferation of illicit drugs, political gangs and human trafficking are among the top security concerns in Kenya, Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has said.

Land disputes have also contributed to the challenge of insecurity, said Murkomen, who spoke in Nakuru yesterday.

The CS, who spoke during the 28th security and service delivery tour of the counties, said the tours have been an eye-opener to the scale of the security challenge facing the country.

The tours, popularly known as Jukwaa La Usalama, is an initiative by the Interior ministry that brings together opinion leaders, the National Government Administration Officers, security personnel and elected leaders for town hall-style meeting to discuss development.

The CS said while the full Jukwaa La Usalama report—once completed across all counties—will become a policy document to guide structural changes, the tours are yielding results through operational adjustments.

“Already, in the Kerio Valley belt—Turkana, Baringo, West Pokot, Elgeyo Marakwet, Samburu and Laikipia—which had serious security challenges, banditry has dropped by more than 70 per cent,” he said.

“The tours have also energised our security agencies and sharpened our focus. Everywhere we have been, major crackdowns have followed. You have seen cannabis seizures across Kenya.”

The minister expressed concern over what he described as the “near-normalisation” of cannabis consumption in Kenya, saying this cannot be allowed to continue. He announced that a multi-agency operation is underway to bring traffickers to book.

He identified Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Kericho, Narok and Nakuru as counties with high rates of drug and substance abuse. In Nakuru, the city serves as a major transit route for drugs and illicit brews particularly adulterated ethanol and counterfeit spirits.

Among the towns notorious for drug abuse are Nakuru City, Molo, Naivasha, Njoro and Rongai.

On child trafficking and defilement, Mr Murkomen said the government is strengthening the DCI’s Anti-Narcotics Unit to also address human trafficking, sexual violence and drug abuse. Newly recruited police officers will be deployed to reinforce the unit.

He said Nakuru is also grappling with land-related security challenges, with illegal occupation common in Gilgil, Naivasha, Njoro, Rongai, Molo and Subukia.

“I challenge Kenyans to take the safest route to resolving disputes.”

The CS announced plans to form a multi-agency team comprising officers from the ministries of Interior and Lands as well as community leaders to address land disputes. He warned against a growing trend of grabbing land from widows and the elderly vowing that perpetrators will face the full force of the law.

“I have directed the regional security team to ensure cases are properly documented, thoroughly evaluated, and handled in a multi-agency manner,” he said.

Mr Murkomen also issued a stern warning to political gangs and their sponsors promising a firm crackdown.

“I am glad our security teams have managed to tame gangs. But more needs to be done to stamp them out completely. In some areas, it has even affected school attendance. We can’t allow this,” said the CS who was accompanied by Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika, DIG (APS) Gilbert Masengeli and several MPs.

Meanwhile, Murkomen said the government has put in place mechanisms to ensure Kenya is not in breach of Confederation of African Football (CAF) rules during the ongoing African Nations Championship (Chan).

He said the National Police Service will fully enforce the penalty imposed. “Kenyans are an important part of the game. I’d like to implore Kenyans to go to the stadium only if they have tickets.”

He also urged Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja to work with the Sports Ministry to set up big screens in strategic locations for fans to follow upcoming games.